Already the NBA 2022/2023 Season is three-quarters through and that means the home stretch is looming. For some teams particularly in the Western Conference, it's about jockeying for playoff positioning and in the Eastern Conference, teams aiming to solidify a playoff spot.

In the first part of six reviews diving into the teams in their respective divisions from each conference we begin first with taking a look at the Central Division.

Milwaukee Bucks

Another season, another dominant campaign to date for the 2021 Champions. The Bucks currently sit 41-17, only half a game behind its rival the Boston Celtics in top spot in the East. Throughout, the team has had to contend with multiple injuries, especially with its big three in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton. The trio have only featured on the court together 15 times thus far.

Also not forgetting key reserve Pat Connaughton missing the start of the season with a right calf strain, and sixth man of the year contender Bobby Portis with an MCL sprain. Yet fear the deer has the other 29 teams fearing another Milwaukee charge towards reclaiming the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Nothing describes how insanely freakish yet effortless Giannis makes the game look on a nightly basis. The 2-time MVP is currently averaging 31.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 53.8% shooting.

From pushing tempo from a defensive rebound, his two-man game with Jrue on pick and rolls to sticking opponents on a barbecue poster, he is hungrier to add to his already superior list of accolades.

For Jrue, he arguably is having his best season in Milwaukee. That's not to say the other two seasons were below what he is currently producing. As a reward for his consistent play, he would finally earn his second All-Star appearance - his first in ten years. A well-deserved achievement for a team-first player who surprisingly goes under the radar, but not from his peers. Known for deferring to his teammates, Holiday has had monstrous outings lately especially with Giannis injured scoring back-to-back 30-point outings against the Indiana Pacers (35 points, 11 assists), and the Toronto Raptors (37 points, 7 assists). Recently he went off when it counted against the Celtics in crunchtime finishing with 40 points and 7 assists.

Not to forget his relentless defence which he takes immense pride which has seen him named twice into the NBA's All-Defensive First Team.

Brook Lopez is having an excellent campaign after having his 2021/2022 hampered by a back injury, propelling himself into a defensive player of the year candidate at the same continuing his Splash Mountain ways from downtown. 3-time All-Star Khris Middleton continues to increase his minutes coming off the bench after missing lengthy periods with wrist and ankle injuries. Milwaukee's other important role players in Pat Connaughton, Grayson Allen, Jevon Carter, and Joe Ingles consistently perform whether scorcing from distance to locking in defensively.

Not forgetting the heart and soul of Milwaukee Bobby Portis who has become a fan favourite in the Deer District for his all-out passion and hustle. And add in Jae Crowder who embodies toughness in the same mould as P.J. Tucker did during the Bucks' championship year. Currently riding a 12-game winning streak which includes scalps of the LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and the Boston Celtics, the Bucks are clicking at the right time with 24 games left in the regular season.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last season (2021/2022), the Cleveland Cavaliers were arguably the League's most-improved side. Despite being eliminated in the play-in tournament by the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland would make the major splash during last July's free agency by acquiring Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. The former Louisville product has been a standout averaging a career-high 27.3 points on 48% shooting and 38.7% from deep. Mitchell's production is a major reason for the Cavaliers' growing ascent.

The previous year, Cleveland didn't have a go-to guy in the clutch, but with Mitchell it has been the difference. An incredible 71-point performance in the triple overtime win over the Chicago Bulls and a 46-point outing against his former team are two of many spectacular displays he has had. Mitchell's play coincides with the rapid progression of Darius Garland who continues to get better, elevating himself as one of the best young point guards in the League.

Whilst its backcourt is the main offensive architect, Cleveland's key is its stone-anchor defence. Spearheading the League's best defence is the twin towers pairing of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Their athleticism, shot blocking and altering shots are why the Cavs are super hard to score against in the paint. In fact, the duo are the Spurs' twin towers version of Tim Duncan and David Robinson.

Currently sitting fourth in the East (38-23) only two games behind third-place Philadelphia, the Cavaliers are on track to register 50 wins for the first time since the second LeBron era in 2017/2018. More so, on the path to reach the postseason (non-LeBron) for the first time since 1998. Quite an achievement, considering LeBron's departure in the Summer of 2018, thus leaving the organisation figuring out how to rebuild again.

Indiana Pacers

For the first part of the season, the Indiana Pacers exceeded early expectations of not being an automatic guarantee for the lottery. Behind the stellar play of Tyrese Haliburton (19.9 points, 10.1 assists), sixth man of the year contender Benedict Mathurin, and a career-season from defensive anchor Myles Turner, Indiana were 23-18 after beating the Charlotte Hornets on January 9.

However, in the next game, Haliburton hurt his knee against the New York Knicks and from there the side's fortunes have taken a nosedive. Since then, Indiana is 3-15, currently 2.5 games out of the play-in picture. Although the Pacers are currently rebuilding, its still a substantial effort as many basketball analysts had Indiana at the bottom of the East.

At season's beginnings, Indiana opted for a bigger frontcourt with Jalen Smith pairing with Myles Turner. But with former Celtic Aaron Nesmith replacing him as the team's starting power forward and Daniel Theis working his way into the rotation after missing the season's first half due to knee surgery - Smith's playing has steadily reduced.

Just about every season, Turner's name has been mentioned in trade rumours, but after agreeing to a 2-year $60 million extension, the former 2015 lottery pick is arguably having his best production. Known for his sky-high shot blocking, the rangy Centre is operating more near the basket and in the midrange, whilst still attempting 4.1 threes a contest.

Buddy Hield, who came with Haliburton as part of the Domantas Sabonis deal is shooting lights out from distance. Though it's hardly a surprise as he made a living from it. The sharpshooter is hitting 45.3% from three, with 230 triples - well on track to surpass his previous best of 282 threes in the 2020/2021 season with Sacramento.

Chicago Bulls

Fair to say, this season to date is producing a rollercoaster ride for the proud franchise. Sitting at 26-33, currently on a seven-game skid, the Bulls have minimal time to figure out its inconsistencies with only a quarter left in the regular season. What makes the side so complex is the fact they have twice beaten the League's best two sides in Boston and Milwaukee. Still, Chicago's woes have been dearly missing Alex Caruso (left foot) and Lonzo Ball who last suited up on January 14, 2022. Particularly Ball due to his exceptional point guard IQ and orchestrating on both ends of the floor. Yet, the team sits inside the top 10 in defensive rating and bottom 10 in offensive rating. Quite polar opposites.

Chicago's big three in DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic continue to do the heavy lifting to keep the ship afloat. But the trio desperately requires assistance from its second unit, especially with DeRozan (36.3) and LaVine (36) logging heavy minutes each game.

For Chicago to reverse its fortunes particularly on the road (10-20), Coach Billy Donovan needs to play seasoned campaigners Goran Dragic, Andre Drummond, Coby White, and Derrick Jones Jr more minutes. It's well worth a go. The early going after the All-Star break will determine Chicago's fate whether they qualify for the play-in or not.

Detroit Pistons

This season for Detroit is all about the continuing growth of developing its bright talent to capture the glory era of the late 1980s and playoff success from 2002-2008. Despite losing Cade Cunningham (left shin) early in the season and sitting bottom of the Eastern Conference (15-44) there has been promising signs.

Rookie Jayden Ivey is showing he is one of many cornerstones of the franchise's future with his invigorating playing style. Isaiah Stewart is steadily progressing with his leap, especially in attempting more threes, whilst rookie Jalen Duren has been a rebounding machine since Coach Dwayne Casey put him into the starting unit.

Partnering him alongside Stewart gives Detroit a solid frontcourt for the future. There is potential for Pistons fans to see them develop into the next Rasheed Wallace and Ben Wallace pairing who had success together.

Bojan Bogdanovic's acquisition has given the Pistons an all-important veteran voice in the lockerroom. Though he is 33, the Croatian three-point specialist is putting his most underrated campaign averaging 21.8 points on 49.1% shooting and a blazing 40.7% from range.

Though Detroit hasn't featured in the playoffs since 2019, the roster they're building definitely can re-capture the spark back in the Motor City. And with Cunningham to return for the start of the 2023/2024 season, Pistons' fans can start getting excited about its prospects.